In article , sandra daniells Someone wrote: > In article , David McLallen > Someone wrote: > >Hi, folks - I'll be visiting Chicago for the first time in a few weeks. I > >will be meeting with a bunch of friends that I have made on-line. We > >would like to find a relatively reasonably-priced, family type restaurant, > >somewhere in the downtown area, which can accomodtae large groups (app. > >15-20 people) and will not rag on us too much if we hang around for more > >than an hour or two. > > You've asked a deceptively tricky question. One would think that a big city like Chicago would have such a place made-to-order but no. In the downtown, the Loop and Michigan Avenue, it's either the very upscale for closing the mega deal, or the mega restaurant for the tourist crowd where they herd you in and herd you out (especially since there is almost always a line.) These places don't take reservations 'cause they don't need to i.e. The Hardrock Cafe The Cheescake Factory and Planet Hollywood. The downtown is for commerce and it has great big nifty places for lunch but they close up in the evenings and the weekends. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and districts and thats where most of the action is. Also, Chicago is mostly a city of small restaurants and your group would overwhelm them even if you could get to them. All is not lost though. Much depends on your transportation. A good place for a big group is to head over to North Pier (7 blocks Southeast from the Hancock Center) and try the Original A-1 Beanery. It's a big open friendly space and they do take reservations. There number is 312-644-0300. The best part of this place is that it is part of the North Pier Complex (not Navy Pier) which has stores and amusements. It's huge and great fun to walk around. It's sort of an upscale, trendy arcade. A great place to stretch your legs. Everyone will find something they like. North Pier has a couple of other restaurants that could handle your group like Dick's Last Resort which is loud and racous and big with the recently graduated crowd. Lots of burgers, pizzas and fries and beer. 312-235-6361. For a bit more upscale there is the Carolina Crab House. Better view, good seafood and shows in the bill. A-1 is in between the two. If you have any free time for yourself, the Pizza at Bacinos on Lincoln Ave. is the best in the town that knows its pizza. Hizzoner da mare hopes ya have good time in da greatist city in da wurld. Especially in dose restaurants over by da pier.
Chicago, IL